Technical section
Handmade Paper converts agricultural fibres and waste materials into biodegradable paper products while supporting training, technology transfer, research and commercialization.
Section profile
UIRI's Handmade Paper section utilizes agricultural fibres that would otherwise be wasted, including banana stems, pineapple crowns, cotton rags, sisal, bagasse, papyrus, wheat straw and waste paper.
Handmade paper is produced using vegetable fibres such as sisal, papyrus, bagasse, cereal straw, maize and cotton stalks, pineapple leaves, cotton waste, elephant grass, banana fibre and bamboo.
Products
The handmade paper products are entirely organic and biodegradable. The production process is mechanical and does not involve the use of chemicals, resulting in environmentally friendly products.
Current handmade paper products include craft paper, books, envelopes, cards, wallpaper, note pads, packaging bags and folders.
Objectives
The section's objectives focus on improving paper quality, developing packaging applications, and transferring handmade paper technology.
Services
Handmade Paper provides practical services that support entrepreneurs, students, product development and paper-making research.
Ongoing activities
The section is involved in developing and experimenting with handmade paper from maize ears, banana leaves, water hyacinth and wheat straw.
It is also conducting research and development on cassava starch produced at UIRI to assess its effectiveness in paper formation compared with imported maize or corn starch, alongside market analysis for handmade paper products in Uganda.
Planned activities
Planned activities focus on expanding training, strengthening product marketing, developing more fibre sources and commercializing handmade paper technology.
